PITTSBURGH: The Indians today signed Kent State outfielder Anthony Gallas as a non-drafted free agent.

Gallas, a senior from Strongsville, was named to the third team of the Louisville Slugger All-American squad following a season in which he batted .369 with 24 doubles, 17 home runs and 81 RBI in 64 games. In addition to a .657 slugging percentage, Gallas struck out only 35 times in 268 at-bats.

He will report to the Tribe's extended spring training program in Goodyear, Ariz., before being assigned to a minor-league team.

It appears that Mike Redmond's days of being Fausto Carmona's personal catcher are over.

Now that Carlos Santana has been elevated from Columbus to the big leagues, he will catch every starter, including Carmona. Santana got his first night of rest Saturday after catching seven games in a row.

""I'm, just giving him a night off, and I want to keep Mike sharp,'' manager Manny Acta said. ""Mike is our backup. I have nothing specific (like catching a particular pitcher) for him to do. He's our backup. We'll play him when we want to rest Carlos. That's the backup guy's job, and he's very good at it.''

Redmond will be behind the plate for David Huff's start tonight. Huff has been struggling for weeks, but maybe it's only a coincidence that Acta picked the veteran Redmond to catch this start and give Santana the evening off.